Technology Tycoons Sink $9 Million into School Broadband Project

Say what you like about the effects of connectivity on the population, but one this is certain; the internet has done a lot to bridge gaps between people. It’s this incredible ability to reach out and touch the rest of the world that makes the lack of available internet such a disadvantage, and this is exactly what non-profit EducationSuperHighway is there for.

Currently around 72% of schools in the US have slow internet connects, or no connection at all. This lack of access to the myriad resources on the internet means that students are missing out on the advantages that connectivity brings with it, particularly those who may not have reliable internet access at home.

EducationSuperHighway allows schools to test their internet speed and gives them advice on how to secure faster, more reliable broadband connections for education. The program called SchoolSpeedTest has gained popularity amongst schools, teachers and students alike. The internet test and advice service has been used by around 600,000 participants in the past year, in the 26 states which are currently covered by the program.

The organization’s funding is being led by none other than Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s school startup: Education Fund. The educational internet testing service has also received funding from the Gates Foundation, run by Microsoft founder Bill Gates and his wife Melinda.